For the first time we can remember, Microsoft is publicly advertising the Office 365 Home Use Program.

The Home Use Program changed in February 2019 to an ongoing discount on Office 365 Home plans for staff of organizations with Office volume licenses. That’s instead of a very low price on perpetual license Office software.

The Home Use Program (HUP) used to be a bit of a secret. Microsoft left organizations to tell employees about it, which they didn’t always do very well.

But the old HUP was a loss maker for Microsoft with staff getting Microsoft Office for a pittance (around US$15).

The new Home Use Program makes money for Microsoft or, at worst, is break even. A 30% discount is roughly the same as the wholesale price of Office 365 to retailers.

It’s little surprise that Microsoft is now actively promoting with web ads. Not only does it make more money but it gets more people onto the annual payment path for Office and other Microsoft services.

Don’t qualify for the Home Use Program?

If you don’t work for a qualifying organization, you can still save money buying Office 365.